 However, as of the 2011 census, the population of the town was 5,877, down from 6,024 reported in the 2001 census.Literally meaning "sorrows", the name "Vayk" is derived from the "Vayots Dzor" canton of the historic Armenian province of Syunik.Historically, the area of Vayk belongs to the Vayots Dzor canton of Syunik province; the 9th province of Armenia Major, ruled by the Siunia dynasty.